AUDUBON SOCIETY of PORTLAND

MARCH 2010
Volume 74 Number 3

In this issue...
Warbler Nature Store Event
For Kids!
See page 12
Monitors
Needed
See page 5
Lecture on Ecoroofs
at Oregon Zoo
See page 12
Black-throated
Gray Warbler

Fun! Hands-On Learning!

Adventure!
Spring Camp &
Summer Camp 2010
See schedules and registration information
on pages 6 and 7.
Portland Building Ecoroof © Bob Sallinger

Ecoroofs for Wildlife Birdathon 2010:

May 7–8 and 14–15
by Bob Sallinger, Conservation Director
It’s Our 30th
C an our urban rooftops provide habitat for wildlife?
Much of our urban landscape is covered with
structures, and Portland is fast becoming a leader in
Anniversary!

D
promoting vegetated rooftops to capture stormwater. Is it id you know that over the past ten years
possible to go even further and actually create functional alone, Portland Audubon members and their
wildlife habitat on buildings that will help birds, bats, bugs, friends and families have raised over one
and other animals as they traverse our urban landscape? million dollars to help protect Oregon’s native
birds?! Thank you all for helping to make it
During the month of March, Audubon will partner with possible!
the City of Portland and Urban Greenspaces Institute to
explore the possibilities. On March 3rd the Mayor will This year especially, you’re encouraged to join
officially proclaim March “Ecoroof Month,” kicking off Broadway Ecoroof © Mike Houck in Birdathon 2010 to help us celebrate our 30th
a series of ecoroof-related events that will culminate in a Join us and learn about how ecoroofs can make our urban anniversary of the event and carry on this fundraising
lecture by Britain’s Dusty Gedge, a recognized worldwide landscape more sustainable for humans and wildlife — tradition! You’ll have great new
authority on building ecoroofs to promote biodiversity. and go to page 4 for an on-the-ground report by Portland opportunities to go birding with
Audubon’s Urban Conservationist, Jim Labbe, about your fellow Audubon members,
Could we restore Nighthawks, which once nested in gravel ecoroofs in Europe. volunteers, staff and board. It’s
rooftops, to our overhead skies by adding gravel to the your chance to get to know them
roofs of riverside buildings on the Lower East Side? Could March 3: City Hall Ecoroof Proclamation and how each has contributed
thousands of acres of gray industrial warehouse rooftops to making the Audubon Society
in the Columbia Corridor be converted to meadows for March 12–13: “Ecoroof Portland,” a free two-day event of Portland one of the most
rapidly disappearing Meadowlarks and Streaked Horned with speakers and vendors; go to www.portlandonline. effective voices for wildlife
Larks? Could the tops of our downtown skyscrapers com/BES/index.cfm?c=51717& conservation in the nation. Of
provide a source of insects and a place to rest for migrating March 27: Ecoroof Tour of South Waterfront course, it’s also your opportunity to go on a great
songbirds? What can we do on top of our own houses to (see Audubon Outings) birdwatching trip with new or old friends! Look for
support local wildlife? a complete description of trips coming soon on our
March 30: Lecture on Ecoroofs by Dusty Gedge at website and in the next issue of the Warbler.
There are already over 200 ecoroofs in Portland, and the the Oregon Zoo (geared toward the general public) —
city has set a goal of increasing vegetated rooftops to cover details on page 12 Interested in being a Birdathon Sponsor?
at least 39 acres by 2013. In Contact Ann Takamoto at 971-222-6117.
March 31: Dusty Gedge Brownbag Lecture at City
2009 the city initiated a new
Hall (geared toward natural resource and sustainability
incentive program that will Also, it’s never too early to mark your calendars for
professionals)
provide property owners with the Birdathon Banquet: Friday night, June 18.
up to $5 per square foot to March 31: Downtown Ecoroof Tour (see Audubon This will be one party you won’t want to miss!
install ecoroofs. Outings)
Monitoring for birds on downtown
ecoroof. © Bob Sallinger
For more information, go to www.audubonportland.org.
Inside this issue
New format for trip listings (Audubon Outings) — See page 2 Page 2 ......................From the Director
........................Audubon Outings
Audubon Society
of Portland Page 3 ......................Calendar of Events
5151 NW Cornell Road Page 4 & 5 ................................ Conservation
Portland, Oregon 97210
................. Wildlife Care Center
Page 6 & 7 ................................. Trips & Tours
Page 8 ................................Nature Store
....................................Sanctuaries
Page 9 .......Field Notes and Volunteers
Page 10 ............................New Members
Page 11 ........................ IBA of the Month
Page 12 ................. Map/Hours/Sponsors
From the Audubon Outings
Introducing Audubon Outings — Wild in the City & Beyond
Executive
Director B eginning with this issue you will find all of our
Field Trips, Magpies, and Wild in the City offerings
under a new heading: Audubon Outings —
Wild in the City & Beyond. Listings of all the offerings
are chronological. Explanatory icons indicate more
= Weekday birding starting
later, going slower, with
restrooms in sight
$ = Fee involved
H= Wheelchair
information. ✍ = Sign-up needed accessible

Building Habitat
and Community March 3 (Wed.), 8am–11am
Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge ✍
I confess that it’s been quite
a while since I last pulled
out my well-worn “tree
planting” Levi’s from the back
shelves of my closet. I had good
Join Mike Houck on a bird sight and song walk
around 160-acre Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. The walk
is a gentle two-mile stroll on a combination of paved and
uneven dirt paths, with two moderate hills. More than 100
species of birds have been seen in Oaks Bottom, Portland’s
reason to. On a cool and drizzly first official urban wildlife refuge.
January morning, Portland Sign up at www.audubonportland.org/trips-classes-camps/
Audubon launched the first adult/wic (if you don’t have internet access, call 503-292-
TogetherGreen Volunteer Day 6855 ext.112); directions will be sent to registrants.
Meryl Redisch of 2010.
March 6 (Sat.), 8am–11am
Sponsored through National Audubon’s five-year Vancouver Lake Park
partnership with Toyota, this initiative is intended Join leader Ron Escano to scope the lake for water birds
to draw new volunteers in and to make a lasting and explore the riparian woodland for wintering songbirds, Osprey nest at Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. © Mike Houck
difference on the ground. Nearly 60 people showed including the White-throated Sparrow. Meet at 8am at
up and for many of them, it was their first visit to Vancouver Lake Park. Directions from I-5 north: take March 13 (Sat.), 8am–2pm
Audubon and to restoration work. By lunchtime, I’d Exit 1-D (4th Plain Blvd), go west on 4th Plain through Hagg Lake
say the intended goals were clearly met: introducing Vancouver onto SR-501 (Lower River Rd). After 3.5 miles Join leader Stefan Schlick for a day at Hagg Lake in
people to Audubon and improving local habitat. on SR-501, continue straight for 0.6 miles to Vancouver Washington County. We’ll target wintering waterfowl and
Outcomes like these are straightforward and Lake Park (possible $2 entrance fee). Dress for the weather. songbirds. Meet at 8am at the food mart at the corner of
measurable: record the number of new and repeat Beginners welcome! Old Hwy 49 & Scoggins Valley Rd. Directions: From Forest
volunteers and count the number of native trees and No sign-up needed. Grove, take Hwy 47 south past Dilley and turn right (west)
plants placed in the ground. at the sign for Hagg Lake. The mart is about 1mi down the
March 6 (Sat.), 10am–1pm road, a few miles before you enter the park. Dress for the
While I love solid results that are easily communicated
to funders, tracked in our database and used in annual
Ross Island Paddle ✍ weather, beginners welcome!
No sign-up needed.
Join Mike Houck on a paddle around Ross Island to
reports and outreach materials, it’s the unintentional
celebrate the designation of the Ross Island Lagoon by the
things that I find most compelling and personally
fulfilling. For me, it’s scanning the room during
Oregon State Marine Board as a No Wake Zone, and the
continuing effort to get the same designation on the entire
March 18 (Thu.),
9am–Noon
H
orientation and seeing close to 50% of the participants
Holgate Channel. Highlights on this brisk paddle around Fernhill Wetlands
in their 20s. It’s getting to know someone like Adrian,
Ross, Hardtack, East, and Toe Islands will be waterfowl, Join us for a look at the wintering waterfowl, raptors, and
a generous and hardworking man that I am guessing
Bald Eagles, and Peregrine Falcons. You’ll also get sparrows. Join leader Sue Carr at the Fernhill parking lot,
is in his late 20s. Now living in Vancouver with his
information about the Friends of Ross Island and how you 200 yards south of the RR tracks. Dress for the weather. For
sister and her family, Adrian returned home from Iraq
can volunteer with the Audubon more information contact Sue
with injuries and intense memories of lost friends.
Society of Portland, Willamette at sacarr_98@yahoo.com or
I learned that he has a graduate degree in business
Riverkeeper, Portland Parks 503-649-3360.
communications from Marylhurst University and
and Recreation, and Friends of No sign-up needed.
wants to use his personal and professional skill set for
Ross Island on cleanups and
mediation and conflict resolution work.
restoration activities. You are
responsible for bringing and March 27 (Sat.),
It’s reconnecting with Celia, a curly-haired blonde
girl of about 10, whose community mentor has
maintaining your own kayak/
8am–11am H
canoe; life jackets are absolutely
made volunteering together a regular part of their
required. Fernhill Wetlands
weekend activities, not only for Audubon but for Join leader Doug Robberson
Sign up at www.
other nonprofits. It’s meeting Jim for the first time, a for a stroll around these exten-
audubonportland.org/trips-
decade’s-long supporter of our chapter, who moved sive wetlands searching for a
classes-camps/adult/wic (if
to Portland from Olympia to be with his partner and variety of waterfowl and rap-
you don’t have internet access,
adult son and his family. tors. Meet Doug at 8am at the
call 503-292-6855 ext.112);
directions will be sent to Fernhill parking lot. Take TV
For me, it’s looking through our wildlife sanctuary Hwy west through Hillsboro
registrants.
to see all kinds of people hacking and hauling thorny and Cornelius to the intersec-
Tom Liptan on Portland Building Ecoroof. © Mike Houck
blackberry branches and English ivy from their firm tion with Hwy 47. Left on Hwy
grip in the ground to make space for native plants March 8 (Mon.), 47 for about 0.6 miles, then turn left (south) on Fern Hill
and wildlife. It’s hoping and trusting that most 9am–11:30am Rd. Parking lot is on left shortly after crossing RR tracks.
volunteers will return with friends and family and be Jackson Bottom Wetlands Bring binoculars, dress for weather, trail may be muddy.
proud of what they helped make possible on a perfect We expect to see waterfowl, raptors, and early Beginners welcome!
January day. songbirds with leader Sarah McCarty at this preserve near No sign-up needed.
Hillsboro. Meet in the parking lot and dress for the weather.
For directions, see www.jacksonbottom.org or call Sarah at March 27 (Sat.), 1pm–3:30pm
TogetherGreen Day volunteers, January 30, 2010.
© Tom Costello
503-636-1288.
No sign-up needed.
Ecoroof Tour of South ✍$
Waterfront
Join Audubon Conservation Director Bob Sallinger,
Mike Houck of the Urban Greenspace Institute, and
City of Portland ecoroof guru Tom Liptan for a tour of
South Waterfront ecoroofs, green stormwater facilities,
and greenways. The new South Waterfront Development
includes more than four acres of ecoroofs and many other
state-of-the-art green stormwater innovations. As an added
bonus, there will be great views from on high of the Great
Blue Herons at nearby Ross Island as they go through their
nest-building and courtship rituals. This event is part of
Ecoroof Month (see cover article).
Fee: $8 per person, $12 per family.
Sign up at www.audubonportland.org/trips-classes-camps/
adult/wic (if you don’t have internet access, call 503-292-
6855 ext.112); directions will be sent to registrants.

2 MARCH 2010 www.audubonportland.org

march Calendar of Events
SUN MON TUE WED THUR FRI SAT
Beginning Birding 28 1 Birders’ Night 2 City Hall Ecoroof 3 4 5 Vancouver Lake, 8am (p.2)
6
Field Trip, 8am (see 7:30pm Heron Hall Proclamation (p.1) Family Adventure, 9am (p.12)
Jan/Feb Warbler)
Oaks Bottom Ross Island Paddle, 10am (p.2)
Wildlife Refuge Kids’ Author, 11am–1pm (p.12)
Walk, 8am (p.2)
StreamNet Open House,
3pm (p.3)

Beginning Birding 7 Magpies visit Jackson 8 Nature Night: 9 10 Sparrows and Other 11 “Ecoroof Portland” 12 Hagg Lake Outing,
8am (p.2)
13
Field Trip, 8am (see Bottom Wetlands, Ascending the Giants, ‘LBJs’ in Winter Class, begins (p.1)
Jan/Feb Warbler) 9am (p.2) 7pm Heron Hall (p.3) 7pm (see Jan/Feb “Ecoroof Portland” continues
Warbler) (p.1)
Bluegrass Live Music Jam
12:30pm Heron Hall Sparrows and Other ‘LBJs’
Field Trip, 9am
(see Jan/Feb Warbler)

14 15 Marsh Birds, Herons, 16 17 Magpies visit 18 19 TogetherGreen 20

and Rails Class, 7pm Fernhill Wetlands, Event, 10am–4pm
(p.7) 9am (p.2) (p.8)

Board Meeting,
7pm Heron Hall

21 22 23 24 25 26 Fernhill Wetlands 27
Outing, 8am (p.2)

Meet Kids’ Illustrator,

11am–1pm (p.12)

Spring Break Camps (p.6) Ecoroof Tour of South

Waterfront, 1pm (p.2)

28 Magpies visit 29 Wildlife 30 Downtown Ecoroof 31 1 2 Beginning Field Birding

with Greg Baker,
3
Tillamook Bay & Conservation Lecture Tour, 1pm (p.3)
8am (Jan/Feb Warbler)
Cape Meares, 9am at Oregon Zoo, 7pm:
(p.3) Ecoroofs with Dusty Johnson Creek Bike Ride,
Gedge (p.12) 9am (p.2)

Nikon Weekend, 10am 

& 1pm (p.11)

Note: An electronic version of this issue and past Warblers is available on our website, www.audubonportland.org/about/newsletter

March 29 (Mon.), 9am–4pm April 3 (Sat.), Nature NightS

Tillamook Bay, Cape Meares 9am–12:30pm Second Tuesday of the month from
September to May. If you have a
Join the Magpies for a trip to Tillamook Bay, Cape Lower Johnson suggestion for a Nature Night presentation,
Free and
open to the
Meares, and Netarts Bay. Meet at the McDonald’s in North Creek public!
Plains (Exit 57) at 9am, or at the Tillamook Safeway, NW Bike Ride $ ✍ contact Catherine at chalpin@
audubonportland.org or 503-292-6855 ext.129.
corner of the parking lot at 10:15am. Bring a lunch and Join Jim Labbe
dress for the weather. For information call Juergen at
503-742-2464.
(Urban Greenspaces
Institute) along with
Ascending the Giants
No sign-up needed. Matt Clark and Theresa Tuesday, March 9
Huntsinger (Johnson 7pm Heron Hall
March 31 (Wed.), ✍$ Creek Watershed Council)
1pm–3:30pm
Downtown Ecoroof Tour
Join international ecoroof expert Dusty Gedge, City of
Portland ecoroof guru Tom Liptan, Audubon’s Bob
for a 21-mile bike ride out
the Springwater Corridor
Trail to Gresham’s
Linneman Station and
Male Anna’s Hummingbird at South
O ver the last few years, two Oregon-based
arborists, Brian French and Will Koomjain,
have climbed and measured champion trees
across the Northwest and around the world. Champion
trees have offered Ascending the Giants, a nonprofit
Sallinger. and Urban Greenspaces Institute’s Mike Houck back. We’ll pedal our Waterfront. © Mike Houck
for a tour of downtown Portland ecoroofs and green way through the lower organization dedicated to promoting awareness about
stormwater facilities. Get a bird’s-eye view of Portland Johnson Creek Watershed, stop at several urban natural champion trees and old growth, a nonconfrontational
and learn about efforts to restore natural function to even areas along the way, and learn about future opportunities to approach for old-growth conservation and advocacy.
our most developed landscapes — addressing rain where protect and enhance the Johnson Creek Watershed. You are Pursuing an ongoing series of expeditions, Ascending
it falls, increasing the energy efficiency of our buildings, responsible for bringing and maintaining your own bicycle; the Giants’ goal is to raise awareness of the importance
reducing urban heat island effects, and promoting helmets are absolutely required. of trees by showcasing champion trees through
biodiversity. A world-recognized expert on creating wildlife Fee: $8 per person, $12 per family. photography, videography, and adventure. These
habitat on rooftops will be along for this trip and will lend Sign up at www.audubonportland.org/trips-classes-camps/ presenters will share their experiences as well as an
his unique perspective as to how we might create habitat adult/wic (if you don’t have internet access, call 503-292- award-winning short adventure film by John Waller
atop Portland’s tallest buildings. This event is part of 6855 ext.112); directions will be sent to registrants. about a champion tree’s demise and the group’s effort to
Ecoroof Month (see cover article). find its successor.
Fee: $8 per person, $12 per family. Co-founders of Ascending the Giants, Brian and
Sign up at www.audubonportland.org/trips-classes-camps/ Will share over 15 years’ experience in tree climbing
adult/wic (if you don’t have internet access, call 503-292- in professional, research, and recreational fields.
6855 ext.112); directions will be sent to registrants. Focusing on the well-being of mature trees, they are
state coordinators for the Oregon Big Tree Registry,
which has archived Oregon’s largest known tree species
StreamNet Library Open House since the 1940s. Brian currently serves on the Oregon
March 6 (Sat.), 3pm–5pm Community Trees board,
and Will recently returned
729 NE Oregon St., Suite 190 from a seven-month trip
to measure tall conifers
Portland Audubon’s Board Emeritus, Dave Marshall, has donated his personal collection of
in Indonesia and plans to
books, journals, field notes, and magazines to the Audubon Society of Portland (see “From the
continue the expedition
Director” in the January/February 2010 Warbler.) Please join us during this open house at the
this year.
StreamNet Library in celebration of this one-of-a-kind donation.

Scaling an impressive
Western Red Cedar near
The Audubon Society of Portland is a member of Earth Share of Oregon. For more Rockaway, Oregon.
information, contact Earth Share of Oregon at 503-223-9015 or on the web at © freesolophotography.com/
www.earthshare-oregon.org. Sean O’Connor

www.audubonportland.org MARCH 2010 3

Protecting Birds in the Backyard and Beyond
Putting Habitat on Rooftops
the European Way
Exploring Biodiverse Ecoroofs in the Old World
by Jim Labbe, Urban Conservationist (on leave)

W hile on leave from Portland Audubon the last and encourage ordinary citizens to install
nine months, I have had the opportunity to their own small-scale residential ecoroofs.
meet with some of the leading advocates and While visiting him in London, I attended
designers of ecoroofs in Europe. They have included a do-it-yourself workshop he led with
individuals on the cutting edge of new designs and policies ecoroof designer and installer John Little.
promoting biodiverse ecoroofs. The workshop, held at the Kent Wildlife
Trust Headquarters southeast of London,
The modern European experience with ecoroofs began in included presentations on the benefits of
the 1970s with a primary focus on the benefits for urban and technical specifications for ecoroof
aesthetics, energy conservation, and air and water quality. installation. Participants were led through
Consequently, Europe has a considerable head start over a process of constructing a one-square-foot Stephan Brenneisen on the new Stucki Shopping Center ecoroof in Basel,
Switzerland. This ecoroof incorporates cobble and gravel substrates meant
North America in ecoroof design and installation. To put ecoroof template illustrating basic materials to mimic floodplain or river terrace habitats. © Jim Labbe
this into perspective, the table shows estimated square and design. We also received a free copy of
footages of ecoroofs in leading European and North Dusty and John’s Do It Yourself Guide to Green and Living technically feasible on all new buildings. Most recently
American Cities. Roofs. The inspiring workshop really got folks charged up Stephan was instrumental in developing and adopting
to build their own ecoroof. Copies of Dusty’s Basel’s new, first-ever mandate that all ecoroofs incorporate
Estimated Square Footage of Ecoroof DIY guide will be available when he speaks design features which support biodiversity.
by City or Metropolitan Region here in Portland in late March. See page 12
of this Warbler for details about Dusty Stephan leads the “Ground-Nesting Birds on Flat Roofs
City/Region Est. Ecoroof Area Year Gedge’s ecoroof lecture at the Oregon Zoo Project” at the University of Applied Sciences Wädenswil,
Stuttgart, Germany (Region) 10.7 million 2009 on March 30. where he and others are investigating a number of ecoroofs
Dusseldorf, Germany (Region) 7.86 million 2008 in Switzerland as potential breeding sites for Northern
Basel, Switzerland (Region) 7.53 million 2007 Stephan Brenneisen of Lapwing and Little Ringed Plover. The research focuses
London, England (Region) 5.38 million 2009 Basel, Switzerland on how breeding pairs use ecoroofs, whether young birds
Chicago, Illinois (City) 534,000 2008 Basel, Switzerland might well be the biodiverse survive, and how changes in the design of ecoroofs can
improve breeding success.
Portland, Oregon (City) 423,000 2009 ecoroof capital of the world. “Swiss ecoroof
Vancouver, B.C. (City) 320,000 2008 design principles” are synonymous with Stephan took me to a few biodiverse ecoroofs in Basel. One
varied substrate types and depths of the
Sources: Wolfgang Ansel, City of Dusseldorf, Stephan Brenneisen, Dusty Gedge, biodiverse ecoroofs I observed in London. example is the relatively new 376,740-square-foot Stucki
Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, City of Portland. Shopping Center ecoroof (see photo)
Basel is purported
to have the highest just installed in September 2009. This
Many larger European cities are leading the world in ecoroof per-capita area of ecoroof in the single ecoroof is almost the size of all the
design and construction. Many already have effective incentive world, in part because the city ecoroofs in Portland and was designed to
and regulatory programs that encourage and require ecoroof has had local regulations in place mimic river terrace habitat.
installation for new development or redevelopment. This was for over a decade that require all
most evident in Germany, where some estimate that 10% of all new development to incorporate Biodiverse Ecoroofs in
roofs are landscaped. But square footage should not be the sole rooftop landscaping where Portland
measure of ecoroof progressiveness. Some of the most exciting technically feasible. Portland is particularly well positioned
and important innovations in ecoroof design on the European to learn from the European experience
continent involve rooftop greening to support flora and fauna Basel’s progress owes much to the with ecoroofs and the emerging trend of
in very dense urban landscapes, including some rare species of efforts of Stephan Brenneisen, Northern Lapwing on a Swiss ecoroof. biodiverse ecoroofs. Efforts in the United
birds and insects. who has been researching, © Ernst Roth Dach-Kiebitz Kingdom, Germany, and Switzerland
designing, and promoting biodiverse ecoroofs for over clearly indicate an ecoroof building boom is possible with
Below are descriptions of my visits to London, England and a decade. He currently leads the Green Roof Centre of the right public policies in place. These include adequate
Basel, Switzerland, along with some reflections on what these Competence at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences incentives and regulation to strongly encourage or require
visits could mean for the Portland metropolitan region. Wädenswil, where he conducts research and advises on ecoroofs on new development where technically feasible.
ecoroof policy and design. However, we also need local research to help improve
London’s Dusty designs of biodiverse ecoroofs adapted to our unique
Gedge Stephan is actively involved climate, flora, and fauna. Finally, much will be gained
A former street performer and in refining ecoroof policies by providing the inspiration and technical knowledge to
entertainer, Dusty Gedge is now in Swiss and German support ordinary citizens interested in installing biodiverse
one of the leading advocates for municipalities, including ecoroofs on their homes, garages, and out-buildings.
ecoroofs in the United Kingdom development standards
and a pioneer in designing and that require ecoroofs where By investing in and expanding biodiverse ecoroofs in
promoting ecoroofs for urban Portland, we can dramatically expand urban habitat
biodiversity. Dusty’s interest in diversity, enrich our local and neotropical bird populations,
ecoroofs grew out of his work to and help keep nature nearby in our densest neighborhoods.
conserve the rare Black Redstart, In the process we can also lead North America in the
a small ground-nesting member construction and design of biodiverse ecoroofs that foster
of the thrush family that inhabits urban communities where people and wildlife flourish
urban areas in England and other together. See “Ecoroofs for Wildlife” article on page 1
parts of Europe where greenspace of this Warbler, and attend Portland’s Ecoroof Month
is scarce and healthy natural areas Dusty Gedge atop one of his biodiverse ecoroofs in London. The Black Redstart is a rare activities — including Dusty Gedge’s lecture at the Oregon
are even scarcer. Many national Dusty is the leading advocate and spokesperson of ecoroofs in ground-nesting bird in the U.K. Zoo on March 30 (see page 12) — to learn more about
and local laws increasingly require the United Kingdom, and will be in Portland in March as part
of Ecoroof Month. © Jim Labbe
that frequents green roofs in
urban areas. © Livingroofs.org
biodiverse ecoroofs.
developers to fully compensate for
environmental impacts of land
development that otherwise fall on other landowners, the
public at large, and future generations. In the U.K., Black
What is an Ecoroof?

A
Redstart habitat is threatened by redevelopment of urban n ecoroof or green roof is intentional rooftop vegetation. We tend
brownfields, so biodiverse ecoroofs have become a major to use the term “ecoroof ” in Portland because of our relatively
strategy to conserve and expand their habitat. dry and hot summers. An ecoroof can range from thin, flat
mats of sedum and grass growing on shallow soils to deep-soiled roof
Now Dusty is involved in promoting ecoroofs at a number gardens with large shrubs, lawns, and even trees. Most ecoroofs tend
of levels. These include policy, planning, design, research, toward low maintenance sedum mats, but a growing trend is to create
and installation of ecoroofs in the U.K. and beyond. He biodiverse ecoroofs involving slightly more diverse herbaceous plants on
is the current president of the European Federation of slightly deeper soils, ideally composed of varied materials and depths to
Green Roof Associations. Dusty and his collaborators are maximize habitat values.
actively designing and installing ecoroofs on everything
from garden sheds to corporate bank towers, including the At right are schematic designs of three ecoroof types described in
Barclay Bank tower in London’s Canary Warf. The Do It Yourself Guide to Green and Living Roofs by Dusty Gedge
and John Little.
But I was most inspired by Dusty’s efforts to educate

4 MARCH 2010 www.audubonportland.org

 Wildlife Care Center
Harold the Domestic Duck
by Kari Jones, WCC Assistant Manager

O ver the last several months the volunteers and staff

at the Wildlife Care Center (WCC) have gotten to
know a special bird, Harold the duck. Harold is
a domestic male mallard with a missing right eye. He is
sociable and actually enjoys being held and petted, and
contemplate purchasing a duckling for their children. In
one case, I asked a father how he would house the adult
duck. He simply told me that they could just release the
duck when it grows up into the refuge by their house —
that’s what they always do. And here lies the problem.
is comfortable with his head tucked under a wing, fast Domestic animals typically are not equipped to survive
asleep in the middle of a busy hospital floor. He is the most in the wild. They don’t know what a predator is and
friendly, easygoing duck I’ve ever met, and I have met many have lost natural fears of people and other animals
ducks! Harold also makes us frustrated and sad, because (many have become accustomed to household pets such
he reminds us of the widespread and often unrecognized as dogs and cats). They haven’t been taught how to find
problem of animal abandonment. Like many of the or hunt for food in nature and often starve to death
animals brought to the WCC, he is an abandoned pet that without the familiar food bowl.
was found wandering the streets of Portland.
Harold (right) with another domestic duck. © Wildlife Care Center
If they do survive, domestic ducks and geese are
Unfortunately, many animals that are brought to the WCC detrimental to our already stressed ecosystem. Many As for the domestic mallard Harold, the staff at the WCC is
each year are pets that have worn out their welcome and of our local parks and natural areas with water features are currently seeking a permanent, secure home where he can
have been set “free” in urban parks, greenspaces, and literally overrun with non-migratory domestic waterfowl. be treated like the domestic pet that he is.
wildlife refuges. Many people would probably be surprised Unlike wild ducks and geese, domestic waterfowl tend
to learn that the act of leaving a domestic animal without not to migrate or move from site to site, but rather take
continued care is against the law: Oregon Revised Statute up permanent residence at the sites at which they are
What can you do to help:
Remember that acquisition of any domestic animal is
167.340 (animal abandonment) states that a person abandoned. This leads to overcrowding, which reduces
a lifetime commitment. If you are unable to provide
“commits the crime of animal abandonment if the person available food sources, degrades water quality, and limits
continued care for an animal, you are responsible to find it
intentionally, knowingly, recklessly or with criminal nesting sites. Overcrowding also can lead to unnaturally
a new home or adoption facility.
negligence leaves a domestic animal… at a location without aggressive male mating behavior. Desperate mother mallards
providing minimum care.” Animal abandonment is a Class have been forced to nest up to a mile away from water. When
Discourage your child’s school from raising animals unless
B misdemeanor punishable by a $2,500 fine and/or six her eggs hatch she has to walk her ducklings back to water,
they have identified a permanent home for the animals.
months in jail. a dangerous journey that often necessitates crossing streets
and highways. The WCC receives hundreds of orphaned
Inform anyone you see releasing a pet into the wild that it is
Domestic ducklings and goslings are sold in feed stores ducklings each spring because the mother was killed by a
an illegal activity.
every spring for about $2 each. They are ridiculously car. Overcrowding of ducks and geese also fouls our water
cute and cheap. I have observed people in feed stores systems and shores, spreads disease and parasites, causes
If you have appropriate facilities for abandoned pet ducks
fighting, and often results in “drake rape” during which
and geese, please let us know. We have ongoing need for
males kill female ducks. This is not a pleasant environment
homes for these abandoned animals.
for these domesticated animals to be placed into.
Talk to your friends and help spread the word about the
Window Strike The problem isn’t limited to waterfowl. Domestic rabbits,
doves, peacocks, and turtles are also common victims of
realities of animal abandonment.
Reports Sought animal abandonment.

Bird Safe Portland surveys will continue this spring

in an effort to assess the magnitude of bird window
strikes in our city, a hazard that is estimated to result
in 100 million to 1 billion bird deaths in the U.S. every Winter Wrens, Anna’s Hummers Plentiful at CBC
year. We need your reports by Wink Gross, Compiler, Portland Christmas Bird Count
on locations of dead or

B
injured birds in the greater “ lack-billed Magpie!” shouted Christopher and
downtown area that may Adrian Hinkle in unison. With that lightning-fast
be the result of window identification at the Columbia Wastewater Treatment
strikes! To report a location, Plant, the Hinkle twins (age 14) won this year’s “Eagle Eye
or if you are interested in Award” for the best bird of the Portland Christmas Bird
walking survey routes Count. It was the first magpie found on the Portland count
in this very important since 1972.
study, contact Mary
Coolidge at mcoolidge@ The Portland Christmas Bird Count, held Saturday, January
audubonportland.org or 2, enjoyed surprisingly good weather and good birding. In all,
503-292-6855 ext.111. 142 field observers and 53 feeder watchers tallied a total
Golden-crowned Kinglet of 118 species, just two less than last year’s all-time record.
© Mary Coolidge Black-billed Magpie. Photo: Dave Menke/USFWS
The Hinkles had tough competition for the best bird from in Forest Park the past few years, sadly, we have not found
John Deshler, ‘The Bird Master of Forest Park,’ who found any Ruffed Grouse, which used to be regular.
two Gray Jays and three Northern Pygmy-Owls way out
at the NW edge of the count circle. Other good birds were I want to thank all the field observers and feeder watchers
two Townsend’s Solitaires, six Common Ravens, and who contributed to making this year’s Portland CBC a
the first-ever-for-the-count Eurasian Collared-Doves. In success. I especially want to thank the area leaders: John
addition, many species were found in greater numbers than Fitchen, Pat Muller, Lynn Herring, Lori Hennings,
ever before: 50 Bald Eagles, 5 Red-shouldered Hawks, Sam Pointer, and Char Corkran, who did all the hard
274 Anna’s Hummingbirds, and an astounding 246 work organizing the teams and ensuring that everyone had
Winter Wrens, obliterating the old record of 142 found in a good time!
1942! A summary of the entire history of the Portland CBC
can be found at www.audubonportland.org/local-birding/ Portland CBC Anna’s Hummingbird counts
christmas_count/84yr. 1996................................ 20 2003................................ 90
Turn Your Yard into 1997................................ 14 2004.............................. 130
On the other hand, several waterfowl species were scarce:
a Backyard Habitat! American Wigeon, Northern Pintail, and Green-
1998................................ 31 2005.............................. 161
1999................................ 31 2006.............................. 188
winged Teal numbers were low. Ruby-crowned Kinglet, 2000................................ 53 2007.............................. 163
Are you thinking about turning your yard into a
Varied Thrush, and Yellow-rumped Warbler numbers 2001................................ 68 2008.............................. 169
backyard habitat, but you need some help? Then sign
were also below recent averages. Despite excellent coverage 2002................................ 38 2009.............................. 274
up now for the Backyard Habitat Certification Program.
We can help provide resources and recommendations to
help you on your way. Already set to be certified? Great,
we would love to come by and get you certified today. Monitors Needed
Sign up online at www.audubonportland.org/ Volunteer to be a Citizen Scientist! If you want to count Vaux’s Swifts at a local roost, or help with
backyardwildlife/backyardhabitat or contact downtown bird window strike surveys, please contact Mary Coolidge at mcoolidge@audubonportland.org
Karen Munday at kmunday@audubonportland.org or 503-292-6855 ext.111. Monitoring is a great way to learn, have fun, and contribute invaluable information
or 503-292-6855 ext.122. to our understanding of bird health!

www.audubonportland.org MARCH 2010 5

Educational Trips & Tours These trips are popular. We recommend
that you book early.

Galapagos Islands 4 spaces

still available!
Wildflowers and Birds of
September 30–October 6, 2010 Steens Mountain
J oin the Audubon Society of Portland’s Dan van den Broek, School of Birding Educator, on a
journey to the islands that Darwin made famous with his historic work, The Origin of Species. See for
yourself the many finch species that inspired his theories of adaptation and evolution. Those who
make this journey will experience wildlife as they never have before — fearless of humans because large
land predators never evolved here.
July 21–25, 2010

S pend five days exploring

Steens Mountain, one of
the most spectacular natural
areas in Oregon and adjacent to
While on the Islands we should see a great the Malheur National Wildlife
number of the endemic birds including Refuge, an Oregon Important
Galapagos Hawk, Galapagos Dove, Bird Area. Study the botanical
Galapagos Mockingbird, and Galapagos and bird life of the high desert
Flycatcher, as well as the famous environment. At Steens’ East Rim
Galapagos finches. Marine Iguanas, Land overlook we’ll scan for the rare
Iguanas, Galapagos Fur Seals, and the Black Rosy-Finch, and if we’re
Galapagos Tortoise that also await us. lucky we’ll look down on the backs
We’ll stay 4 nights on a small (16-passenger) of soaring Golden Eagles and
boat and by day visit Islands such as Prairie Falcons from our vantage
Espanola, Floreana, and Santa Cruz. We point a dizzying vertical mile
will go to seabird colonies where we may above the Alvord Desert. Unique
Galapagos Tortoise © Dan van den Broek
see Blue-footed and Nazca Boobies, Red- plants we may find include rare
billed Tropicbirds, and the endemic Swallow-tailed and Lava Gulls. While at sea we’ll watch for species of Spring Beauty (Sierran
pelagic species such as Elliot’s Storm-Petrel, Galapagos Shearwater, and Galapagos Petrel, as well and Alpine) and Steershead
Steens Mountain Thistle.
as dolphins and larger whales. Our route will take us to see the Galapagos Penguin, and we’ll have Bleeding Heart at Fish Lake. © Christopher Christie
opportunities to snorkel so that we may experience the magnificent reefs that fringe the Islands and the Along the way we’ll search for
unique life they support. larger animals like Bighorn Sheep and Pronghorn. Visits to Malheur
NWR and Alvord Desert locales provide a chance to observe a variety of
What is included: All lodging, all ground and sea transportation, all meals except some dinners, guide fees, and the breeding birds.
internal round-trip airfare from the city of Quito, Ecuador, to the Galapagos. A portion of your fee is a tax-deductible
contribution to the Audubon Society of Portland. Airfare from U.S. to Ecuador and return is not included. What is included: Van transportation to and from Portland, 4 nights lodging at the
Fee (double occupancy): $3295 members / $3595 non-members charming Frenchglen Hotel, breakfasts, lunches, and field instruction. Dinners are not
Deposit: $1600 required to secure your place on the trip included. A portion of your fee is a tax-deductible contribution to the Audubon Society of
Group Size: 14 Portland.
Leader: Dan van den Broek
Fee: $645 members / $695 non-members (based on double occupancy)
If you would like more information or to register for this trip, please contact Dan van den Broek at Group size: 9–14 participants
dvandenbroek@audubonportland.org or 971-222-6105. Leader: Steve Engel
Contact Steve at sengel@audubonportland.org or 971-222-6119.

A few spaces may still remain

Malheur Foray
Our annual foray to visit the world-class Malheur National Wildlife
in these 2010 trips:
Refuge still has some spaces open! • Bird the Badlands: June 3–10
Dates: May 26–31 • Birding in the Basin: June 23–27
Fee: $645 members / $695 non-members • Australia: November 6–20
Leader: Steve Robertson • Tasmania: November 20–28
Visit our website for trip description. Visit our website for trip descriptions.

Lesser Scaup © Steve Berliner

Spring Break Camp 2010 at the Audubon Society of Portland

Our new online registration allows you to fill out a registration form and pay instantly with a credit card or e-check. Visit us at
Just go to the Spring Break Camp page at www.audubonportland.org and click on the “Register Now” link. Questions? www.audubonportland.org
Call Sarah Swanson, Camp Director, at 971-222-6120. Most Spring Break Camps run from 9am to 4pm. for more information!

Monday, March 22 Tuesday, March 23 Wednesday, March 24 Thursday, March 25 Friday, March 26

Bird Junior Wildlife Amphibians Forest Mysterious

Buddies Vet 101 Ahoy! Detectives Mammals
2nd–3rd grade 1st–3rd grade 1st–3rd grade 1st–3rd grade 1st–3rd grade
Fee: $60member / Fee: $60member / Fee: $60member / Fee: $60member / Fee: $60member /
$70non-member $70non-member $70non-member $70non-member $70non-member
Clack Attack: Hiking Surf’s Up Salmon Animal Behavior: Junior Wildlife
the Clackamas 4th–8th grade Search Great Blue Herons Vet 102
4th–6th grade Fee: $70member / 3rd–5th grade 3rd–5th grade 4th–5th grade
Fee: $70member / $80non-member Fee: $70member / Fee: $70member / Fee: $60member /
$80non-member $80non-member $80non-member $70non-member

Wednesday, March 24 – Thursday, March 25

Tim and Ian’s Mission Impossible

(Overnight Wednesday night)
5th–8th grades
Fee: $130member / $150non-member

6 MARCH 2010 www.audubonportland.org

 HOW TO REGISTER
Trips & Classes
Adult Classes Educational Trips & Tours Contact: Steve Engel, Adult Mail: Audubon Society of Portland
1. NEW — register and pay online! Visit class 1. Phone or email to request a registration Education Coordinator 5151 NW Cornell Rd.
description on our website. packet for the trips of interest. Email: sengel@audubonportland.org Portland, OR 97210
2. OR — contact Steve Engel via phone or email to be 2. Complete and sign the Registration / Phone: 971-222-6119
put on the roster, then make your payment as soon as he Waiver Form and return it with the Credit Card Payment: We accept VISA, MasterCard, and Discover.
confirms availability. Only your payment holds your spot. required deposit. A 3% processing fee is added to each transaction. Include card number,
3. Mail your check payable to Audubon Society of 3. We’ll contact you with confirmation of expiration date, and billing address, or call Steve Engel and pay over
Portland or call with your credit card information. payment and further details. the phone.

Marsh Birds, Herons, and Rails Hummingbirds: Facts, Flowers & Spring Shorebird Migration
March 16 (Tue.), 7pm–9pm in Heron Hall Feeders April 29 (Thu.), 7pm–9pm: Class in Heron Hall
April 8 (Thu.), 7pm–8:30pm May 1 (Sat.), all day: Field Trip to Grays Harbor,
Wetlands and marshes harbor some of the most unique WA
and beautiful birds in Oregon. These include rails, bitterns, Learn the most effective ways to attract hummingbirds to
herons, and cranes. Tonight local expert Harry Nehls will your yard and garden. Local hummingbird expert Abby An evening class focusing on shorebird identification and
share his knowledge of these wonderful birds and their Crouch will share her tips on the best plants for hummers ecology with John Rakestraw on Thursday is followed up
‘marshy’ habits. Learn about the rare Yellow Rail, the stately year round and the easy and safe approaches to feeding. with a trip to the Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge
Sandhill Crane, and many more. Her bird-friendly yard has been profiled in Sunset Magazine near Hoquiam, Washington for an all-day Saturday outing.
and featured on Metro’s Natural Gardens Tour. Class We’ll explore the many Grays Harbor birding sites during
Fee: $10 members / $15 non-members includes a multi-page handout on plants and feeders. the afternoon as the tide is rising, and depart from the
Pre-registration is required. main viewing platforms at Bowerman Basin about 4:30pm
This class is FREE for volunteers. Fee: $10 members / $15 non-members to arrive back in Portland at sunset.
Funds raised by this class support the Wildlife Care Center!
This class is FREE for volunteers. Fee: $75 members / $95 non-members (transportation
Birding By Ear — Resident Birds provided by Audubon)
April 5 & 19 (Mon.), 7pm–9pm: Classes in Heron
Hall
Field Trip group size limited.
April 11, 18, 25 (Sun.), 7am–10am: Field Trips Wildflowers of the Memaloose Class-only option: $10 members / $15 non-members
Hills Pre-registration is required.
Laura Whittemore offers her popular “Birding By Ear” April 21 (Wed.), 8am–4:30pm
class in two formats this year. The April class will focus
on learning the songs and vocalizations of our resident Join wildflower enthusiast Angie Moore for a walk in the
birds such as Song Sparrow, Spotted Towhee, Red-breasted Memaloose Hills east of Mosier. Spend the day hiking
Nuthatch, American Robin, and others. This allows you to among the balsamroot discussing Columbia River Gorge
learn in a less “crowded” aural environment and should be geology, history, and plant identification techniques for the Register for Summer
helpful for those just exploring birding by ear. A separate
class in May will focus on all the migrant birds who have
amateur botanist. Plant list provided. Bring your cameras,
lunch, and plenty of water; there may be ticks and poison
Camps today!
arrived. See website for more details on “Birding by Ear — oak. Participants must be capable of moderate hiking, 4–6 You can now register online and
Migrant Birds” class. miles, with 700' of elevation gain. pay by credit card or e-check.
Go to www.audubonportland.org,
Fee: $75 members / $85 non-members Fee: $25 members / $35 non-members then the Summer Camp page and
Class size: 14 participants Class size: 12 participants click “Register Now.” You may also
Participants sign up for all 2 classes and 3 field trips. Pre-registration is required. register in person at 5151 NW
Pre-registration is required. Cornell Rd, Portland, OR 97210.
Spaces will no longer be saved
without payment. Questions?
Call Sarah Swanson, Camp

Audubon 2010 Summer Camp Schedule Director, at 971-222-6120.

Grades entering: 1st 2nd - 3rd 4th - 5th 6th - 8th 9th - 12th
Things with Wild Art H Jr. Wildlife Vet 102 Fire and Ice
WeeK

June 28 Session 1
Wings Adventure June 27-July 2• Sun-Fri
1

- July 2
b b Birdzilla H v
Animal Sketching from Herpetology Belize Adventure
Backyard Birds
WeeK

July
Hospital Nature 103
2

July 6-16 • Tues-Fri

5-9
b H b v v
Jr. Wildlife Vet 101 Stayin’ Alive
Frogs and H H Field Ornithology
WeeK

July Session 1
Friends Overnight Wed-Fri
3

12-16 San Juan 1

b Water Wonders Art b H July11-16 • Sun-Fri v
Tracks and Jr. Wildlife Vet 101 Nature
WeeK

July Photography Wild in the City

Snacks Session 2
4

19-23 H H H
b
Creepy b Mega Mammals Herpetology San Juan 2
Opal Creek 1
WeeK

July 102
Crawlers July 26 - Aug 1• Mon-Sun
5

26-30 Berry Berry

b Fun 1 H  H v v
b All About Bugs World of Watercraft
WeeK

August Animalology Opal Creek 2 Overnight Thurs-Fri

6

2-6 Herpetology 101 H H

b v
Predators of H Jr. Wildlife Vet 101 Berry Berry San Juan 3
WeeK

August Session 3
Fun 2
the Forest August 8-13 • Sun-Fri
7

9-13 Nature Detectives H

b b v
Hidden Hikes Forest Odyssey Destination:
WeeK

August Raptor Rama Hit the Trail Glacier

8

Overnight Thurs-Fri Overnight Thurs-Fri August 15-21 • Sun-Sat

16-20
b b H H v
Jr. Wildlife Vet 102 Fire, Sticks
WeeK

August Wet and Wild Portlandia Session 2 & Stones

9

23-27 H
b H H
Creature from the Hood to Coast H Jr. Wildlife Vet 103
WeeK

August 30 - Gnome Homes Cuisine

10

Balch Lagoon
September 3 Ways of the Ancients v
b b H Aug 29-Sep 3•Sun-Fri 

b = Onsite H = Excursion v = Mobile Adventure  = Marmot Cabin

www.audubonportland.org MARCH 2010 7

Sanctuaries News Audubon Society of Portland gratefully
acknowledges these thoughtful gifts:
January 30 TogetherGreen Volunteer Day a Big Success In Memory
Work party focuses on restoration in and around our pond Alan Budner Phronsie Ruth
Miriam Bronstein McFarling
by Tom Costello, Sanctuaries Director Barbara Fox Casella John & Chris Boles

F
Sue Deutsch LeAnn & Dale Smith
ifty-nine volunteers helped us mark our largest yet
Marshall Goldberg Patricia Stires
TogetherGreen volunteer day on Saturday, January 30. Janet Guggenheim
We were particularly fortunate to have three of our Lisa & Lewis Horowitz Jan Myers
long-serving sanctuaries committee members — Bonnie Hilary Marcus William Armes
Shoffner, Brian Vaughn, and Kyle Spinks — available to Susan Moser Fran Daggett
lead crews. Meryl Redisch, our Executive Director, was also Michael Z & Garnet & Robert Lester
Gloria Borg Olds Bertha Saiget
on hand getting muddy and pulling weeds.
David Paulson Susan Thurston
Gloria & Alan Russakov Emily Wright 
Photos from the 1930s show that the area that is now Philip Sower
our pond had been cleared of its expected forest cover TogetherGreen volunteers plant natives Amy Weissfeld
Neil Parlee
and that grasses and small shrubs dominated. The area at Audubon’s pond. © Tom Costello Donna Talus
Delia & Bill Whitney
is now dominated by a deciduous canopy of Red Alder, wetland plants. Above the high-water mark we planted Red Betsy & David Wice Herman “Dutch”
Big-leaf Maple, and Black Cottonwood. Eventually these Flowering Currant, Indian Plum, and Red Osier Dogwood.
Nathaniel Wice Schneider
relatively short-lived tree species will begin to die off, and Together these plants will help establish a vegetated Becky Helen Short
Lillian & Ben Chinitz
it’s important that a healthy understory of native shrubs perimeter around the pond, creating better shelter and Richard Schwartz & Mr & Mrs Lynne
and conifers be established to allow the natural forest habitat for our resident birds and amphibians. We had Francine Chinitz Timmermann
succession to occur. Robert Rothrock
several Rough-skinned Newts and a Red-legged Frog Esther Enyart
excitedly watching over our work. Sandy Tamiesie Virginia Steve
Unfortunately the historical disturbances to this area of Jennifer Klump
the Sanctuary have given invasive plants somewhat of an Just upland of the pond we planted a small number of Karen Gooing
advantage. So we spent the morning removing invasive Ray Saunders Douglas Swanson
two shade-tolerant native conifers, Grand Fir and Western Roberta Lampert &
plants from the areas immediately surrounding the pond, Hemlock. These conifers should slowly grow and thrive in James Piper
with English Ivy and Himalayan Blackberry the primary the understory of the existing deciduous canopy. As the
focus. A small but persistent patch of Vinca (Periwinkle) older maples, alders, and cottonwoods begin to die off, the Naoto Takamoto
was also removed. This can be thankless, tiring work Ann Takamoto
conifers will establish themselves in the canopy, creating
but our volunteers were fantastic, leaving behind some more of a mixed conifer/deciduous canopy that you find in
substantially large piles of invasives in their wake. the rest of our sanctuaries. In Honor
Dad & Peggy Martha May
In the afternoon the focus turned to planting. In the We will continue our work in this area at our next Katherine Babash Virginia May
week before the event we had drained the pond to typical TogetherGreen volunteer event on Saturday,
summer levels so we could access its seasonally wet areas. Pete & Helen Richard Meeker
March 20, 10am–4pm. Please join us for a day of Elsa Ostergaard Henry Kantor
We planted two species of native wetland grasses in this invasive plant removal and tree planting, and help us
area, Rice Cutgrass and Common Rush. We also planted continue the success of January 30. Rufino the cat Janice Mercure
Wapato and False Hellebore, which are native perennial Ignacio Gonzalez-Reyes & Diana Deshler
Stacie Hall

Nature Store Highlights

Kathleen & Raymond
Zoe Arnaut-Hull Merritt
Genevieve Arnaut Mildred Donoghue

Barbara & Michael Virginia Oliver

by Nancy Mattson, Nature Store Manager Cobb Terry Oliver
Amy Coulter
Hummers are Here! recipe comes in easy-to-handle pellets Marty Parker, Tessa
Rufus Hummingbirds are back in town made of vegetable oil, wheat flour, peanut Mimi Epstein St. John, Rachel Wold
flour, and wheat starch. If you are a purist, Carol Herron Ethan Beckley
and ready to nest. The hardy Anna’s
Hummers who spent the winter have avoid the mixes containing mealworms and Wilma & Rhod Fraser Lillian Pollens
been joined by their snowbird cousins. pick the plain suet or raisin blends. They Nancy Fraser Janet Feldman
To welcome them all, the Nature work fine in a mixed seed feeder added to your
favorite blend or used alone. Or just set them out in a little John Hill Claire Puchy
Store has scoured the country for great All-American Michael & Marie Ryan Ann Werner
hummingbird feeders to nourish Mom & Pop & all the little bowl and watch them quickly disappear.
flitters. Our choice selection includes Perry’s Smokey Mike Houck & Ginnie Ross
Mountain Hummingbird Feeders crafted in Pigeon Now for Something Bob Sallinger Robert Erwin
Janet Slobin
Forge, Tenn. They range from a beautiful but affordable Entirely Different: Barb Strack
window-mount for $20 ($18 for members) to an elegant We just “rediscovered” an old favorite: John Immonen Marilyn Thamert
ruby-red Rocco double feeder at $45 ($40.50 for the beautiful handmade sculptures of Eric Hildebrand
members). Each handcrafted feeder features solid copper American artist George Cherry Sweeney
hangers with colorful brass green leaf and red flower Skip & Sandi Kinsley Becky & Leonard
Carruth. These lovely Lisa Kinsley Magnuson
details. pieces are cast in stone for
use indoors or out. Though Richard & Bonnie Lee Lee & Margie
A festive line of new hand-painted ceramic hummingbird George’s studio is located in Chris Schmitt Turlington
feeders has also arrived from Lone Wolf Pottery in Ohio, he says he gets his best inspirations Susan Houser
Brynne Alexandra
Albuquerque, New Mexico. These easy-to-maintain drip- while enjoying his Pacific Northwest retreat Larsen Tuesday morning
free gems are shaped like natural gourds and painted in on Orcas Island in the San Juans. He is also Dan Larsen WCC shift
sunny colors to attract the eye of even the most discerning a frequent visitor to Portland where his Susan Dale
hummer. We also sell Easy Mix Nectar from Songbird daughter, Libby Carruth Krock, resides John Lewis
Essentials. Megan Murray
(see Children’s Author Events on page
12). Stop in to see George’s nature- You can honor a special person with a gift to Audubon Society of Portland.
Yikes! Hungry Babies! inspired wall plaques and freestanding Your gift will help fund a future of inspiring people to love and protect
nature. You can make an Honor or Memorial gift online at
When feathered folks want to give their designs as well as the two lovely pieces www.audubonportland.org or by calling 971-222-6129. A songbird card
new offspring a high-protein meal, what created by daughter Libby. acknowledging your thoughtful gift will be sent to the honoree or family.
do they look for? Bugs, bugs, and more
bugs! But if the evening hatch leaves
something to be desired, where can they
pick up that quick protein boost? Right at
Wish List & Thank you’s
their friendly neighborhood feeder, if their
favorite friendly feeder filler (try saying that
Thank you to: Our Wish List:
with a mouth full of bugs) has added Mealworms To Go • David Copeland for a collection of 85 field guides For Education: For Sanctuary:
to their offerings. These easy-to-handle tasty treats are • Ginnie Ross for a blender for the Wildlife Care Center Laptop computer Loppers • Hand saws •Work gloves
100% natural freeze-dried mealworms with a bit of fruit • James Davis & Sally Loomis for a refrigerator Powerpoint Projector Watering wand hose attachment
flavoring added. You can add a handful to your mixed seed/ • Alan Locklear for 2 jugs of bleach & 1 jug of
sunflower feeders or put some out ‘a la carte’ in a little bowl. detergent for the Care Center For Wildlife Care Center:
Yum! • Anita Van Koch for various dishes donated to the Science Diet Kitten Growth • Aquariums • Kiddie Pools
Wildlife Care Center Dawn Dishwashing Detergent • Welding Gloves
Vegetarian Suet? • Gretta Grimala for a 50' water coil hose Camper/Trailer • Untreated Wood: 2x4, 4x4, 4x8
You bet! The birds may not be vegetarians, but if you are, If you can donate these items, please first contact Audubon Society of Portland at
you’ll enjoy feeding your backyard friends our new Suet To 503-292-6855 ext.102, Mon–Fri, to arrange a time for delivery/pick-up.
Go Delight. Instead of a gooey suet cake, our high-energy

8 MARCH 2010 www.audubonportland.org

Conspicuous Corvids Frequent Portland Area
Field Notes by Harry Nehls

T he Western Scrub-Jay, American Crow, and The Steller’s Jay is a bird of the most recognized, but Crows give a wide variety
Steller’s Jay are local representatives of the Corvid coniferous forests, but often is of calls that do not resemble the familiar cawing.
family. They are bold and conspicuous, will eat most found in small conifer groves in city
anything, and are quite used to humans. Humans on the parks and wooded neighborhoods. Though always fairly common and widespread,
other hand either like and enjoy them or consider them They are not as noticeable as the starting about 1971 people began noticing a sharp
predators and troublemakers. There are many stories on Scrub-Jay but can be vociferous increase in Crow numbers in the Portland area.
how ingenious these birds are, but most people know little at times. They seem attracted to Neighborhood Crows soon recognize local human
about them. humans walking in their habitat, residents and become trusting. The late afternoon
often following by flying from tree flights toward their evening roosts are often
The Scrub-Jay is a fairly common and widespread resident to tree just overhead. Despite the Western Scrub-Jay © Jim Cruce conspicuous and attract attention.
in the Portland area, but was not always so. At one time many habitat changes over the
it was fairly common northward in the Willamette Valley years, the Steller’s Jay seems to maintain a fairly constant Recently a fourth Corvid species has become fairly
to about Salem and rarely seen north of there, except for resident population. They also gather into flocks at times regular in the Portland metro area. Common Ravens
an active colony on Sauvie Island that sent wanderers and move about the area, and are occasionally seen in are uncommon residents in the foothills of the Coast and
occasionally to nearby Columbia River bottomlands. deciduous or open woodlands. Cascade Mountains, with some wandering into nearby
lowlands. They are fairly common in winter in the southern
From about 1958 Scrub-Jays began expanding throughout Crows are the most abundant and widespread of the Willamette Valley but not farther north. The 2006 Portland
the Willamette Valley, becoming fairly common in the Corvids. They are open country and woodland birds, Christmas Count recorded two Ravens, the first in many
Portland area. In recent years they have spread northward but often use thick forests for roosting. Owls and other years. The next summer up to five could be seen on Sauvie
and now are increasing in the Puget Sound lowlands, along bird species often use the large sturdy Crow nest when Island. Since then they have become fairly regular at Sauvie
the coast, and through Central Oregon and into Central vacant. Most everyone knows the Crow and their cawing Island, Ridgefield NWR, and Portland’s Forest Park. On
Washington. calls, which are variable and can be interpreted as to their April 30, 2008, Jeff Schwilk found a Raven’s nest near the
meaning and have been described by scientists. The caw is northern edge of Forest Park.
Scrub-Jays are resident in deciduous woodlands and brushy

Sightings
areas. They are rarely found in coniferous forests. Although
considered a non-migratory species, many gather into
flocks each fall and wander extensively. Some of these
flocks are sometimes seen away from their regular range.
This year the Willamette Valley seems to be an ideal place
for birds to spend the winter, including some unexpected
species. On the December 26 Forest Grove Christmas
Thank You, Laura! Count, Bob Stites, Pamela Johnston, and Ed McVicker
found a bright Hooded Oriole coming to a hummingbird
by Steve Engel, Adult Education feeder in Gaston. It remained into February. Scott Murray
Coordinator spotted a Common Redpoll at Hagg Lake, and Lars
Norgren saw a possible Arctic Loon on the lake.

F
Hooded Oriole © Linda Tanner
or the last eight years, Portland Audubon and
its members have enjoyed the good fortune of On the January 2 Portland Count, John Deshler found On January 21 Jeff Young spotted a Brant among a
experiencing Laura Whittemore’s enthusiasm two Gray Jays in Forest Park. Six Ravens were counted Cackling Goose flock in Bethany Wetlands Park north
and dedication to making birdwatching available to along with a Black-billed Magpie spotted by Adrian and of Beaverton. On January 12 Stefan Schlick counted 259
everyone. On top of teaching her ever-popular classes Christopher Hinkle. This count also recorded 274 Anna’s Canvasbacks in Jackson Bottom Wetlands, and a Tree
in beginning birding and birding by ear, holding down Hummingbirds. Swallow was there December 21. Lars Norgren reported
a full-time job with the Backyard Bird Shop, and doing three Black-crowned Night-Herons at Fernhill Wetlands
her own thing, Laura has also found time to coordinate On December 3 Bob Flores reported eight Cinnamon Teal after dark January 9, and Rie Luft saw a Tree Sparrow at
our Field Trip offerings. These free outings, several at Ridgefield NWR. Don Coggswell saw three in Scappoose Fernhill December 27. Adrian and Christopher Hinkle saw
each month, are open to Audubon members and the Bottoms January 8. Rie Luft reported a male Blue-winged one on Sauvie Island January 16.
public and led by a crew of equally dedicated and Teal near Ross Island, and Chris Peckler saw one January
enthusiastic volunteer trip leaders. 27 at the Fernhill Wetlands. Jim Danzenbaker reported a On December 6 Garrett Gregor saw a Clay-colored
Bewick’s Tundra Swan at Ridgefield NWR December 22. A Sparrow in the St. Johns neighborhood. Dave Helzer
We want to say a big Thank You! to Laura for her time flock of 11 Trumpeter Swans were at Ridgefield January 7. reports that about 40 Eurasian Collared-Doves are
and energy over all these years and the numerous regularly coming to a grain elevator near Kelley Point Park
outings she helped get off the ground and into the field. Wilson Cady and Eric Bjorkman reported a Rusty in North Portland. Part of that group was seen on the
We wish her the best in whatever new endeavors she Blackbird near Vancouver Lake December 27. Bob Flores Portland Count. On December 23 a Great Gray Owl was
takes up in her “free time.” Good birding to you, Laura! reported two Short-billed Dowitchers at Ridgefield photographed along Gresham Butte Trail in Gresham.
January 11.

Volunteers of the Month:

Ginnie Ross, Carol Mitchell,
and Irene McIntosh
by Deb Sheaffer, WCC Operations Manager

T he Volunteer of the Month for March happens to

be a team of three volunteers. Ginnie Ross, Carol
Mitchell, and Irene McIntosh, while serving on the
Volunteer Council, wondered what they could do to help
staff members and volunteers of Audubon’s Wildlife Care
Ginnie handling Jack Sparrowhawk, the American
Kestrel, at the 2009 Migratory Bird Festival.
Center (WCC). Results of a survey sent to all volunteers © Patricia Buescher Carol volunteering at last year’s Irene moving a sick (and heavy)
showed many felt they could use more training in the volunteering in 1991, Ginnie and Carol in 2005. Night Flight Halloween event. beaver in the Wildlife Care
© Deanna Sawtelle Center. © WCC staff
day-to-day operations of the WCC. As a result, this team Together they’ve logged over 7,000 hours cleaning cages,
created a practical and constructive workshop, the Wildlife treating sick wildlife, and answering wildlife phone calls! interested, even when going over paperwork and
Care Center Basics Training Course, for WCC volunteers. explaining how Audubon’s complicated telephone
It’s structured as a refresher course for veteran volunteers In addition, they each bring their own skills to the team. system works.
and an orientation for those less experienced. The class As a longtime and permitted wildlife rehabilitator, Irene
was first offered twice in September 2009. In all, about touches on the hands-on aspects of volunteering in the Care Ginnie, Carol, and Irene are also just great Audubon
80% of the Care Center’s 65 active volunteers attended. Center. In a practical way, she demonstrates safe animal volunteers. All three have served on Audubon’s Volunteer
It’s set up to be offered three times per year to catch all the handling, basic treatments, and feeding. Carol, as a nurse, Council; all three are on the Wild Animal Rescue Team
newer volunteers. Reaction from participants has been is able to tackle medical aspects of wildlife rehabilitation. (WART) and are called on to transport or rescue injured
overwhelmingly positive, and a common response to the She successfully trains volunteers on medications and wildlife. Ginnie and Carol are both Education Bird
course survey was “I wish you’d done this sooner!” injections, duties not everyone is comfortable with. handlers, and Irene helps train volunteers on basic
wildlife rehabilitation. The list is long, but suffice it to
The WCC Basics Training Course is especially successful Before retiring, Ginnie worked in education. She started say all three are tremendous assets to Portland Audubon.
due to the experience and expertise of the three her profession teaching and later in her career became a Organizing and implementing the WCC training course
instructors. First and foremost, there is no question labor relations consultant for schools. Her background only demonstrates the initiative and time they have given
they’ve spent many hours in the WCC. Irene started shows in her ability to keep the volunteers engaged and to Portland Audubon. Carol, Ginnie, Irene: Thank You!

www.audubonportland.org MARCH 2010 9

2010 Board Elections candidates for 2010 board of directors
Welcome, New
Members!

Pat Campbell, President

board officers

“I am a fourth-generation Oregonian and a dedicated

environmentalist. In 1973, my husband Joe and I founded
my role on the Board of Directors to assist the organization
in promoting sustainable city practices that protect and
P ortland Audubon is a force in conservation thanks
to its strength in membership, standing together
since 1902. We appreciate each and every one of our
members and celebrate our membership by welcoming
our new members monthly. Thank you for joining our
enhance high-quality habitats in the Portland metro area,
Elk Cove Vineyards with the goal of sustainably farming while providing access to nature for its citizens.” vibrant and growing community!
without insecticides. We now farm 150 acres of wine Chris & Jim Abrams Lora Looney
grapes and market our wines in 48 states. In 1998, during Wink Gross, Secretary Michelle Alberts Deborah Lopardo
a trial-by-fire experience, I went on a ‘Gonzo Birdathon’ “I have been birding since I was a child, growing up literally Ebru Alpay Joseph & Patricia Luckeroth
Jack Appleton Debra Lukan
trip with Portland Audubon. In 2001 Joe and I began our within sight of the Massachusetts Audubon headquarters, Zoe Arnaut-Hull Richard G. Lynch
semi-retirement. We spent the next four winters in Arizona, where I spent many hours learning to appreciate the natural Sarah Austin Katie Mapes
where I honed my birding skills as an active member of world. After graduating from Harvard and MIT, I pursued a Sara Baker Janan Markee
Linda Baptiste Leslie Martin
Tucson Audubon. We now live in Portland full time. It has career in engineering management with Tektronix and Maxim Roxy Barnett Bruce & Dianne McCamman
been a privilege to work as a board member with Portland Integrated Products. Now retired, I go birding every day, most Jim Bauer Stephen & Lucinda McCarthy
often in my Portland neighborhood. I have been the compiler Debbie Beasley Megan McCloskey & Tony Ratel
Audubon. It was exciting to put my business, promotion, Isabel Beaton Kelly McNiece
and leadership skills to work for this great organization. I of the Portland Christmas Bird Count for the past five years, Ethan Beckley Victoria McOmie
am a member of Portland, Tucson, and National Audubon, during which we have become one of the ten largest counts Mark Bernhard Nancy Meyer
Mike Bezner Jeffrey Miller
The Nature Conservancy, 1000 Friends of Oregon, and on the continent. Audubon Society of Portland is embarking Josephine Bilbao Bourke Davis Miracle
Friends of the Columbia Gorge.” on an exciting period of growth and outreach to under-served Gerald & Margaret Nora Mullane & David Hallberg
neighborhoods. I believe my management skills, both project Biondi-Channell Laura Mullen
Josh Cerra, Vice President Carrie Bleiweiss Lisa Muma
and personnel, can help with this effort. I ask for your vote to Hannah Britain-Jones Celia Murray
“I am an environmental designer and senior ecologist at elect me to a second term as Secretary of the Audubon Society Douglas Brown Michael Musto
Herrera Environmental in Portland. With a background in of Portland. Thank you!” Dan Bruland Amanda Nelson
Heather Camp Colin Nelson
both science and design, I have focused my career on urban David Capolarello John & Lacie Newcomer
ecological assessment and conservation planning to provide Ken Ivey, Treasurer Samuel Carl K Nicholson
working, connected spaces for fish and wildlife in cities. Ken has served on Portland Audubon’s Finance Committee Darlene & Donald Carlson Scott Nickell
Christine Caurant Linda Niedermeyer
These are rapidly evolving fields; to stay abreast, I serve as for the past three years and welcomes the opportunity to Frank Chestnut Marilyn Nunemaker
a steering committee member for the Urban Ecosystem continue chairing the Committee and serving as Board Eric F. Christenson Family Marcia Ohlemiller
Research Consortium here in Portland and on the Ecological Treasurer. A CPA for over 30 years, Ken has helped Leviticus Cole Terry Oliver
Jim Connet Shay O’Neil
Design Center at University of Oregon. Last year I served nonprofit organizations, including the Lake Oswego Timothy Cornwall Maxfield Parson-Scherban
an interim appointment on the Board of Directors of the Rotary and Foundation, Cat Adoption Team, and Portland Owen Corser Vicki Perrett
Audubon Society of Portland. I am seeking election this Community College Foundation at the finance committee Amy & Brian Coyle Brennan Peterson
Douglas & Katherine Crane Susan Peterson
year to serve again on the Board, and I am also running as a and treasurer level. Ken’s practice (Ivey, Jacobson & Patrick Crotty Rachelle Pishney
candidate for Vice President of the Board. As an active birder Company, LLC) is located in Lake Oswego. Pete Danko Avery Pittock
and volunteer in the community, I would like to expand Cheryl Dieter Russell & Kimberly Poloson
Peter & Leslie Dinsdale Anne Pope & William Greene
LeAnna Dolan Layne Prest
members at large Holly Dornan
Andrew DuPont
Bernardo Prince
Nancy Prindle
Sean Duron Randy Rapaport
Dan Rohlf Barbara Hill Deborah & Dennis Eaton Elliot Reinstein
“I am interested in joining Audubon’s board for many “I have served the last three years on the Board of Audubon Robert C. Ehelebe Eileen Richey
reasons. Conservation and protecting the natural world Society of Portland and would greatly like to continue Miles Ellenby Keith Ricker
Kim & Chris Elliott Peter Riehl
are among my most important personal values. I have my service to this great organization. During my time Elizabeth Etsey Jon & Erin Robertson
been fascinated by the natural world throughout my life, on the Board I chaired the committee that significantly Steven Fallon Sean Rooney
and occupy much of my free time with outdoor pursuits, updated and revised Portland Audubon’s bylaws to make Janet Feldman Jack Rye
Kelli Fine Melissa Sandoz
including birdwatching. I have also dedicated my career them more current, relevant, and meaningful for the Jim Fisher Franklin Scheu
to conservation and environmental education, and have Chapter’s organization, priorities, and purpose. I have also Jed Floding Hermann Schneider
Barbara L. Florence Peter Schulze & Shauna Whidden
been on the environmental law faculty at Lewis and Clark volunteered for a number of fundraising and development Morelle Forster Donna L. Schuurman
Law School for over 20 years. As co-founder and Clinical efforts for the Chapter such as the Wild Arts Festival, Ann Garcia Richard Schwartz &
Director of Lewis and Clark’s environmental law clinic, I Christmas Bird Count, and sponsorship of tables at the Pam & Lee Gardiner Francine Chinitz
Laurie Garretson Christopher Scott
have long been active in efforts to protect natural areas and membership events at Elk Cove Vineyard. My lifelong Mary Gemmell William Scott Ness
wildlife. I deeply admire Portland Audubon’s efforts toward career as a professional wildlife biologist involved in land Cary & Roberta Gluesenkamp Bonita Seubert
these same goals, and I see it as one of the most effective management also provides me with experience and skills Jay & Alison Graves Stephen & Micky Shields
Anne & Michael Green Marion Shimoda & Paul Ricker
conservation advocacy organizations in the state.” that contribute to the Board and Chapter’s efforts for Gregg Gudmunson The Sibilla Family
wildlife and habitat conservation.” Denise Hare Darren Singer & Jennifer Kearsley
Kristina Gifford Shawna Hartung Monica Soren
Greg & Gale Hawes Patti Spooner
Kristina has served on the Board since 2006. She is an Ron Spencer
Lynn Hayden Marny Spoons
active volunteer at Portland Audubon, working a regular Ron is a long-time volunteer who has participated in a Jenny Helms Duane & Susan Stanley
shift at the Nature Store, participating on the Conservation wide range of activities at Audubon. He has been a Board Renee Henry Rachel Starck
Emily Hicks & Nick York Linda Steingraber
Committee and Birdathon Committee, and helping out member since 2003, and has served as Board Treasurer. Jaqi Hinkle Joyce Stoeckel
with the Wild Arts Festival. Kristina is a native of the Pacific Ron has also served on the boards of the United Way and Emily Hitchcock Lee Stone
Northwest, and an environmental and land use planner at Tualatin Riverkeepers. Prior to retirement 12 years ago, Nancy Hitchins David & Michael Taylor
Anne Hogan & Timothy Brown Marjorie Taylor
Herrera Environmental Consultants in Portland. Kristina he was Director of Accounting at Freightliner. Ron states: Sheryl Horwitz Michelle & Barrett Taylor
states: “I am honored to be on the Board of Portland “I will draw on my business and financial background to Don Hunter Stephen & Elizabeth Teater
Audubon. The staff and volunteers are so talented and help guide Audubon in those and other areas. As an active Barbara Isaacs Carol M. Thomas
Deborah Jacobsen John Thomas
dedicated to the mission here. It’s just a great organization birder and a strong supporter of Audubon’s education and Aundre James Michael Thomas
to be involved with, and I hope to be involved for many conservation programs, I look forward to continuing to be Marjorie Janove David Thompson
years to come.” an active and contributing member of Audubon’s Board.” Pat Janowski Dorrit Thomsen
Greg & Ginny Jensen Richard Till
Larry Jeter & Sandra Robertson Peter Torres
Hannah Kapell & Kelly Trujillo
2010 Board of Directors Election Ballot Lennan Day-Reynolds
Lisa & Scott Kaplan
Marty Uman
Holly Van Dyk
If you are a current Audubon Society of Portland member, Your Name (please print): Andrea Kelly Corine Van Raden
The Keller Boys Martin Hibbert Vitz
you are eligible to vote for the organization’s officers Gurucharan Khalsa John Von Schlegell
and directors. If you are an Individual Member, you are Lee Klinger Mike Voss
entitled to one vote per candidate. If you have a Family Your Signature: Donna Kolberg & Sharon Perigo Ann Wagoner
Membership or higher level, you are entitled to two votes Barbara Kommer Jeff & Christy Webster
Anne & Judd Koppel Conway Randy Weisberg
for each of the candidates.You must sign your ballot for it Marcia Westlund
Thomas Kuhlman
to be counted. Write-in votes will be disregarded. Membership Level: James Laden Mark Whitesell

Members may vote by mail, but we must receive your

Individual (entitled to one vote per candidate) Adam & Stacey Lake Lynn Wiechmann
Wade & Stacy Lange Valen Wilcox
ballot by 6:30pm on April 15, 2010. Please mail to:
Family or higher (entitled to two votes per candidate) Lazzara Family David Williams
Gina Leichner Lisa Willis
Board Nominations Committee Position William L. Leonard Cheryl Wilson
President (a) Pat Campbell Sarah Leoni Ed Wilson
5151 NW Cornell Rd Ella Lieberman Lenore Wolfe
Portland, OR 97210 Vice President (a) Josh Cerra Joey Lieberman Christie Wright
Secretary (a) Wink Gross Lori Livingston Lisa Wright
Members may choose to vote in person at the March Treasurer (a) Ken Ivey Jacqueline Logan Michael Yates
Member (b) Dan Rohlf Charlotte Long Rebecca A.Youngstrom
and April Birders’ Nights or Nature Nights.
Member (b) Kristina Gifford
Member (b) Barbara Hill If you would like to join us or have any questions about
(a) term ends 2011 (b) term ends 2013 Member (b) Ron Spencer membership, please contact Catherine at chalpin@
audubonportland.org or 503-292-6855.

10 MARCH 2010 www.audubonportland.org

 Important Bird Area of the Month
Alsea Bay
by Mary Coolidge, Assistant Conservation Director

O f the nearly 100 Important Bird Areas

in Oregon, 14 are bays and estuaries —
productive, dynamic, biologically rich
mixing zones of fresh and saltwater ecosystems.
Birds abound where this tidally influenced billowing
and feeding grounds for offshore nesting seabirds in
spring and summer. Possible sightings at Alsea Bay are
listed below by season.

October: White-fronted Goose, American

occurs, and Alsea Bay is no exception. Encompassing Widgeon, Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, Brandt’s
more than 2,500 acres, this IBA captures a full 5 of Cormorant, Double-crested Cormorant, Great
the 150 birding sites designated along the Oregon Blue Heron, Great Egret, Belted Kingfisher,
Coast Birding Trail, boasting high-value habitat Common Merganser, Horned Grebe, Merlin, Bald
for shorebirds, waterfowl, waders, pelicans, terns, Eagle, Black-bellied Plover, Black Turnstone,
and raptors, as well as elk, deer, river otter, and Least and Western Sandpiper, Greater Yellowlegs,
harbor seals. The estuary has also been identified Dunlin, and Ring-billed, California, and Western
as an Important Aquatic Bird Area to be surveyed Gull.
as part of the Oregon Coordinated Aquatic Bird
Monitoring Program, a joint effort led by Klamath The Bayview Oxbow, adjacent to Alsea Bay, is an area proposed for Winter: Surf Scoter, Northern Pintail,
Bird Observatory. The area’s habitat diversity — open natural hydrology restoration. © Roy Lowe, USFWS Canvasback, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Hooded
water, exposed mudflats, emergent salt marshes, aquatic Merganser, Greater Scaup, Red-breasted Merganser,
beds, and the adjacent Siuslaw National Forest — provides An Alsea Bay Action Plan was written in 2004 to define Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Common Loon,
outstanding avian value and associated birdwatching conditions in a bay that has seen a 40–60% loss of intertidal Pied-billed and Eared Grebe, American Widgeon,
opportunities. habitat, and to identify conservation issues and set priority Ring-necked Duck, Pigeon Guillemot, Belted
target areas. A number of conservation success stories Kingfisher.
The Alsea River watershed drains approximately 475 initiated by various partners have occurred around Alsea Bay
square miles of land, and the estuary it feeds is considered since the penning of that Action Plan. The Lint Slough was Spring: Surf Scoter, Greater Scaup, Bufflehead, Pelagic
one of the more pristine estuaries on the Oregon Coast, identified as a priority, and recent dike and levee removal Cormorant, Mallard, Common Loon, Western Gull,
though a legacy of anthropogenic impacts from logging, now allow for natural (pre-1963) hydrological function of Osprey, Bald Eagle, Pigeon Guillemot, Common
overgrazing, overfishing, draining and filling of wetlands, the Slough. The Wetlands Conservancy Merganser, Brown Pelican, Greater
chemical pollutants, and diking practices have all taken (in cooperation with the Central Coast Yellowlegs, Black Turnstone, Belted
their toll. Although Oregon Department of State Lands Land Conservancy, U.S. Fish and Kingfisher, and Eared, Pied-billed, and
exercises authority over tidelands with a mandate to Wildlife Service’s Coastal Wetlands Western Grebe.
conserve water quality for human consumption, wildlife, Conservation Grant Program, and
fish, and aquatic life, it takes collaboration by conservation Oregon Watershed Enhancement Summer: Pigeon Guillemot, Common
nonprofits, agencies, and private landowners to ensure Board) has acquired 240 acres of high- Murre, Canada Goose, Mallard, Double-
adequate estuary protection and restoration here. priority estuarine marsh habitat along crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron,
the Bayview Oxbow, as well as tidal Osprey, Least Sandpiper, Greater
marshlands and forested uplands along Yellowlegs, Belted Kingfisher, Bald
Coming to Portland’s Starr Creek at the northeast end of Eagle, and Western, Ring-billed, and
Waterfront Park on June 26 the bay. The Siuslaw National Forest Caspian Tern. Photo: Lee Karney, USFWS California Gull.
Service has also acquired a significant
Staving Off Extinction: tidal marsh parcel along the lower Drift Creek, a priority area If You Go
The Lost Bird Project containing some old-growth riparian forest. Restoration in
this watershed goes a long way toward improving avian and
Visit the Oregon Coast Birding Trail website at www.
oregoncoastbirding.com for more information on coastal
by Dan Viens salmonid habitat values in what was once one of the best birding sites, or contact Mary Coolidge at mcoolidge@

T
coho salmon spawning rivers in Oregon! audubonportland.org. With assistance from the National
he Lost Bird Project is a collection of strikingly Park Service’s Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance
beautiful sculptures by artist Todd McGrain
honoring the lives and loss of five extinct birds.
Ornithological Significance Program, the Port of Alsea designed the Alsea River
The Alsea Bay IBA was nominated primarily for substantial Water Trail Guide for non-motorized boaters. Information
Portland Audubon is working with McGrain to bring is available at www.portofalsea.com. Kayak rentals are
congregations of Caspian Tern and Brown Pelican,
the dramatic installation to Portland’s waterfront for a available through the Waldport High School Kayak Shack
as well as for thousands of migratory shorebirds and
six-month exhibition. (541-563-4445).
waterfowl. Estuaries along the coast provide feeding and
resting areas in spring and fall, relative shelter in winter,
The sculptures include oversized bronze renderings,
5–7 feet tall, of the Passenger Pigeon, Carolina
Parakeet, Heath Hen, Great Auk, and Labrador
Duck. The Nature Store presents
Nikon Birding Weekend
“It’s difficult to read stories about extinct birds and not
conclude we’re missing something by not having these Sat., April 3 & Sun., April 4
birds anymore,” McGrain says. He hopes the Lost Bird Heron Hall at the Audubon Sanctuary

M
Project will stave off another extinction, “the extinction ark your calendars for this opportunity to meet
of memory.” Mike Freiberg, Birding Market Specialist
Mike Freiberg Shawneen Finnegan
for Nikon Sport Optics. Mike’s job takes him © Nikon Optics © David Irons
The Audubon Society of Portland wants to take all over the U.S. teaching bird ID and optics. He will be
the artist’s vision a step further by eliminating the digiscoping and the special equipment it requires?
joined by Nikon ProStaff representative and Portland Discover what you really need to know before making a
extinction of appreciation. Through the tragic stories Audubon member Shawneen Finnegan. This will be
of these five lost birds, Portland Audubon believes we major scope purchase. Our experts have the answers, so
a rare opportunity to learn from two nationally known bring along your questions!
can cultivate a deeper sense of recognition, obligation, birding experts. We have three fun events to choose from!
and wonder for the birds we share our world with today.
Field Birding with the Nikon ProStaff Team
The Lost Bird Project is a creative way to broadcast our Optics Through a Birder’s Eyes (Sunday morning)
mission of protecting wildlife and habitat. With 25% of (10am–11am Saturday)
We’ll select a local birding hot spot and carpool for a
bird species in Oregon suffering long-term declines and Do you find optics selection a bit intimidating? There are morning of fun. You’ll have the opportunity to learn
11% critically imperiled, getting this message out to the a few key points to know which will increase your skills how to get the most out of your optics equipment while
masses through public art is a unique opportunity that tenfold. Mike will share his insights into many simple collecting great tips on birding techniques and ID. To
we had to utilize. yet helpful clues that will advance your understanding of register, contact Nancy Mattson at nmattson@
binoculars and spotting scopes. He’ll discuss basics of the audubonportland.org or 503-292-9453.
We are currently fundraising to bring the Lost Bird selection game that allow the average birder to make a
Project to Portland and have received a generous project comfortable decision at the purchase counter. Stop by the Nature Store to see all our
grant of $5,100 from the Regional Arts and Culture great Nikon optics, including the newly
Council (RACC) to get the ball rolling. We welcome Advanced Optics: Fieldscopes,
Digiscoping & More redesigned Monarch ATB full-size
patrons interested in this story to participate. binoculars. And remember, Portland
(1pm–2pm Saturday)
Ready to move up to a sighting scope? Not completely Audubon members always receive a
Through a deeper understanding of what we’ve lost, 10% discount off regular prices.
those who experience the Lost Bird Project will cultivate satisfied with your current scope? Curious about
a stronger appreciation and sense of urgency for those
birds that remain. Please contact Ann Takamoto at
Portland Audubon’s Nature Store
atakamoto@audubonportland.org or 971-222-6117 for 5151 NW Cornell Road • Portland, OR 97210 Open 10am–6pm Monday through Saturday
more information. 503-292-9453 • store@audubonportland.org 10am–5pm Sunday

www.audubonportland.org MARCH 2010 11

Celebrate Children’s Authors & Wildlife Conservation Lecture Series
Illustrators with the Nature Store! at the Oregon Zoo

I n March we’ve invited an author and illustrator, both local residents, to visit the
Audubon Interpretive Center to discuss their books and sign copies. Please join us for
these fun family events.

Meet Susan Meet Libby Carruth

Wildlife Conservation on Urban Landscapes is the theme of this year’s Wildlife
Conservation Lecture Series, hosted by the Audubon Society of Portland, Oregon Zoo, and
World Forestry Center. The lecture series is held at the Oregon Zoo and is presented by PGE
and Shiels Obletz Johnsen. The host organizations hope the lecture series will strengthen the
Blackaby! Krock! community’s knowledge base on ecological systems and environmental issues –– motivating
On Saturday, March 6th, On Saturday, March 27th, 11:00am– people to make a difference in the environmental future of the region.
11:00am–1:00pm, the Nature 1:00pm, Portland illustrator Libby
Store presents children’s writer Carruth Krock will be here presenting Tuesday, March 30, 7pm
and Portland resident Susan her book The Boy Who Loved Birds Oregon Zoo’s Banquet Center
Blackaby, author of the Susan Blackaby © (Too Much Fun, $15.95), a work done
newly published Nest, Nook Scott Rappaport in collaboration with her father, Ohio Dusty Gedge on ‘Skyrise Nature’:
& Cranny (Charlesbridge, $15.95). Her new author and sculptor George Carruth. A An entertaining talk on ecoroofs,
book is a lively collection of poems describing fanciful bedtime story about a boy who
various types of animal habitat, from deserts dreams of being a bird, Krock’s colorful birds, bees, and bugs
Dusty Gedge

A
to woodlands, illustrated by Maine artist Jamie artwork captures the delights of bird life
Hogan. Blackaby has been active as a children’s (flight) as well as the worldwide authority on ecoroofs, Dusty Gedge has been campaigning © Jim Labbe
author for over 25 years, creating texts for the slightly ickier parts to get green roofs installed for biodiversity in London for over 15 years. Currently
school market as well as the popular (eating juicy worms he is director of Livingroofs.org — the United Kingdom’s independent green roof
picture book Rembrandt’s Hat. — yum!). Younger organization — and the current president of the European Federation of Green Roof
Kids who enjoy both nature and children will enjoy Associations.
the magic of word play will be this gentle story of Dusty is recognized as a leading authority on green roofs and biodiversity and has written a
delighted by this new book. bird and family life. number of papers and articles on the subject over the years. He also wrote a seminal paper that
led to the introduction of a distinct green roof policy in the Greater London area. In 2005 he
won the Andrew Lees Memorial Award at the British Environment and Media Awards.
Coming in April...
Audubon Family Adventures:
Tuesday, April 27 • Urban Coyotes
“Nature’s Recyclers!” Stanley Gehrt, Ph.D., Assistant Professor and Extension
Wildlife Specialist at Ohio State University

A udubon is pleased to announce a new program

designed for families to enjoy and learn about nature
together. Join Audubon volunteer naturalists to learn
about “Nature’s Recyclers.” What’s a decomposer? What’s a
scavenger? Take a guided walk through Audubon’s sanctuary
T he howl of coyotes echoing across our urban landscape has become
an increasingly common occurrence in recent years. In fact, coyotes
can be found even in the most urbanized areas of our city. Come
learn about the animal that Navajo sheep herders once called “God’s Dog.”
to find them out in nature, enjoy a light snack, make a take-home craft — and meet Dr. Stanley Gehrt recently completed a study of urban coyotes in Chicago that has been
Ruby, the Turkey Vulture, up close. described as “The most ambitious work of its kind in the country.” Dr. Gehrt tracked
220 radio-collared coyotes in Chicago over the course of his six-year study. His work is
Date: Saturday, March 6, 2010 Place: Audubon Society of Portland, Heron Hall fascinating and will provide valuable insights for wildlife lovers, wildlife professionals, and
Time: 9 a.m.–Noon (on day of event, Target age: 5–9 years (an adult must accompany neighborhoods learning about urban coyotes.
please check in 8:45–9:00 a.m.) every 1–3 children)
Cost: $10 per participant Cost: $8 for members of Audubon Society of Portland, Oregon Zoo, Location:
World Forestry Center, students, and seniors; $10 for all others. Oregon Zoo
Sign up at www.audubonportland.org/about/volunteer/family. Space is limited,
Go to www.oregonzoo.org/Education/adults/adults_lecture.htm for information.
so register soon! Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy hiking shoes.

Business members
Board Officers Through their business practices and financial
Audubon Society President............................................................................. Peter Paquet
Vice President....................................................................Pat Campbell
contributions, the following business members help
Audubon Society of Portland fulfill its mission. If you
of Portland Secretary.............................................................................. Wink Gross would like to become a business member, please
Treasurer...................................................................................Ken Ivey contact our Development Department
at 971-222-6117.
Board Members
Inspiring people to love and protect nature since 1902 Josh Cerra Kristina Gifford Claire Puchy Business Benefactor Business Guarantors
NW Natural Backyard Bird Shop
Audubon Society of Portland promotes the enjoyment, understanding, Nancy Jane Cushing John Hammerstad Lee Savinar Portland General Electric
and protection of native birds and other wildlife and their habitats. Tony DeFalco Barb Hill Ron Spencer Business Partners
We focus on our local community and the Pacific Northwest. Katy Ehrlich Bob Liddell BridgePort Brewing Company Business Friends
John Fitchen Karen O’Connor Kruse Columbia Sportswear Barran Liebman LLP
Forest Park Federal Bob’s Red Mill
Administration Offices Board Member Emeritus - Dave Marshall Credit Union Carton Service, Inc.
Duggan, Schlotfeldt &
5151 NW Cornell Rd • Portland, OR 97210 Business Supporters
503-292-6855 • Fax: 503-292-1021 Committee Chairs Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Welch PLLC
Kennedy/Jenks Consultants, Inc.
Conservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lynn Herring Leupold & Stevens, Inc. ShoreBank Pacific
9am to 5pm, Mon. - Fri. Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant NatureBake & Tactics Board Shop
Executive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peter Paquet Dave’s Killer Bread Vernier Software & Technology
Sanctuaries Portland Audubon Nature Store
Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ken Ivey
Dawn to dusk every day Membership & Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nancy Jane Cushing
Sanctuaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ann Littlewood
Nature Store
503-292-9453 Staff
10am to 6pm, Mon. - Sat. • 10am to 5pm on Sunday Executive Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Meryl Redisch
Office Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tammi Miller
Interpretive Center & Library
Development Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ann Takamoto
Same hours as store Bookkeeper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jill Hartzell
Birdathon Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gary Slone
Wildlife Care Center Membership Development Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Catherine Halpin
503-292-0304 Everything for the
Membership Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pam Meyers Wild Bird Enthusiast
9am to 5pm every day Education Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Steve Robertson
Adult Education Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Steve Engel Seven locations in
rare bird alert Portland and Vancouver
Camp Director/Onsite Programs Specialist . . . . . . . . . . . . Sarah Swanson 503-635-2044
503-292-6855 • www.audubonportland.org Master Birder/Adult Trip Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dan van den Broek www.backyardbirdshop.com
Environmental Educator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ian Abraham
Environmental Educator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tim Donner
Urban Naturalist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mike Houck
Conservation Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bob Sallinger
Assistant Conservation Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Coolidge
Conservation Program Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ariana Longanecker
Urban Wildlife Specialist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Karen Munday
Ten Mile Sanctuary Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paul Engelmeyer
Volunteer Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deanna Sawtelle
Wildlife Care Center Operations Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deb Sheaffer
Audubon Wildlife Care Center Assistant Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kari Jones
Nature Store Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nancy Mattson
Nature Store Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marilyn O’Grady
Nature Store Clerk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sally Loomis
Sanctuaries Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tom Costello
Sanctuaries Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Greg Kurtz
Backyard Habitat Certification Technician . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rick Mishaga